Q45 Steering Rack

[Gunman]

For those of us who didn't find NICO in time, and didn't start flushing all our fluids annually from the day we bought our Q, I'm looking for guidance on a power steering issue.

1995 Q45t -- 90,000 miles

The rack/pinion is leaking. Based on content here, I know it's due to fluid that wasn't replaced that subsequently went acidic and ruined the seals.

This was discovered this morning by the tire place where I have my rotations/alignment handled. Requested the power steering flush along with the rotation/alignment today, and they're reporting a leak in the rack and recommending rebuilding the it (they will remove and send to their vendor who will rebuild my unit).

Is this something any rack rebuilder should be able to handle? Or is rebuilding a Q45 rack/pinion particularly troublesome? Should I stick to a rebuilt from the dealer? Are there merits for spending the money for a new unit?

If the leak is light (appears to be minor), do power steering sealers do more harm than good? Am thinking about the sealer more as a short term fix so I can do more research to take the right approach.

Thanks,Gunman

[IvoryJ30t]

maybe you would be better in the long run with a new from dealer, or if the dealer sells rebuilt units, to go with that.

im not saying there is anything wrong with other companies rebuilt units, it just that the dealer most likely will supply a higher quality product. thats an expensive job and i doubt you want to do it again any time soon.

[szh]

If I remember correctly from when I had to replace my Q rack, new steering racks tend to run in the $850 - $900 range (although Joe Tsensky might be able to do a lot better). Rebuilts are not much less, at $700 to $750 or so.

Kinda expensive item, although not as bad as a transmission!

Z

[PalmerWMD]

I just priced a new rack at $168 thru my local tech ( from Scottsdale)

A lot cheaper than I though I had thought it was a lot of $$.Or was he confused an looked at the wrong part? (he has before).

Fred...

[Q451990]

Are you talking the part, or labor?

Heath

[PalmerWMD]

just the part.I think he quoted me 3 hours for labor.

Fred..

[elwesso]

$168 for the rack????

[PalmerWMD]

w/o the rack bushings yes.

Fred..

[szh]

Fred, that is way lower than I would expect for the entire steering rack. You may want to confirm exactly what he is quoting ...

Z

[natsoundup]

My 90 leaks, my 94 leaks....the drips are being caught by the black undercover pan.... no effect on the steering.... I have put some leak stop in mine...doesn't seem to help or hurt much.. I have never had a drop of oil reach the driveway....so I guess the amount is really negligible...

I do, however, suck the fluid out now with a bulb...and replace periodically.... same thing with the brake fluid..

[Gunman]

They're quoting me $450 for the reman rack and $175 labor to pull/reinstall.

Is natsoundup's experience pretty common? Light leaks aren't that big a deal as long as pay attention to the fluid?

Gunman

[elwesso]

I wouldnt think a minor leak woudl be a big deal.......

[AZhitman]

Gunman - That's a sweet deal. If you can swing it, go for it.

If you want a little "upgrade", ask for a rack for a 90-93 as it has a somewhat quicker ratio.

Mine's leaking as well - Only thing on the car that leaks, and it's just "seeping". I'll swap it out eventually.

[Gunman]

The $$$ isn't a big deal, I just want to make sure I'm not getting hosed. I'm a little concerned about quality of remans -- is one as good as another?

The Steering Store (http://www.buy-steering.com) has Q45 reman rack & pinion units for $275 + $100 core. Looks like it is the steering-specific site for Meridian Auto Parts in San Diego.

Gunman

[Q45tech]

Most remans are just replacement of seals. They do nothing to correct for rack wear especially the $500 pinion gear.....nor do they check and adjust to oem tension..........just the seals a clean up and maybe spray paint.

My 1990 Q rack has never leaked in 14 years [this coming Jan.]. A set of rack bushings and rack boots and a few adjustments to the preload to compensate for wear.

I Use Mobil Syn ATF for PS fluid and some BG PS additive. Plus all the cheap hoses have been changed but the expensive ones are 14 years old.

[AZhitman]

The dealership uses Meridian racks for the customers who don't want to drop big $$$.

Dennis, was I right on my 90-93 into a 94-96 response?

[natsoundup]

I wouldn't spend the money on the rack...... if there is no noise and no leaks on the concrete....you are fine....suck old fluid out...put BG or some other stuff in..... it only takes a couple of minutes twice a year....we have too many other things that we have to do to keep the Q running nice...

[szh]

If you want a little "upgrade", ask for a rack for a 90-93 as it has a somewhat quicker ratio.

Yeah! I regretted not doing that when I had my 1995 Q rack replaced. I could have had them put in the 90-93 and it would have been much better. I am pretty sure that it would have been an exact fit from a size perspective.

Z